Carpet Underlay Buying Guide

Choosing the perfect flooring for your home is an exciting process, with a wide variety of colors and materials to consider. However, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the underlay beneath your carpet. The right underlay enhances comfort, extends the carpet's lifespan, and offers additional benefits like insulation and soundproofing. This guide will help you navigate the various options to find the best underlay for your carpet.

Why Underlay Matters

Underlay acts as the foundation of your carpet, providing numerous benefits:

  • Enhanced Comfort: Adds a cushioned layer, making walking more comfortable.

  • Increased Longevity: Protects your carpet from wear and tear, extending its life by up to 50%.

  • Insulation: Helps retain heat, reducing energy bills, and offers soundproofing, minimizing noise.

  • Protection: Acts as a shock absorber, maintaining the carpet’s appearance and feel.

Choosing The Right Underlay

  • Polyurethane (PU) Foam Underlay

    PU foam, made from recycled materials, is an eco-friendly and versatile option. It comes in various thicknesses and densities, suitable for different budgets and needs.

    Benefits: Cost-effective, lightweight, and provides excellent insulation.

    Ideal For: General use throughout the home.

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  • Sponge Rubber Underlay

    Made from synthetic rubber, sponge rubber underlay combines durability with comfort. It offers a soft, bouncy feel underfoot, making your carpet extra comfortable.

    Benefits: Durable, sound-reducing, and improves overall carpet comfort.

    Ideal For: Living rooms and bedrooms.

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  • Crumb Rubber Underlay

    Constructed from recycled car tires, crumb rubber underlay is dense and durable, perfect for high-traffic areas. Its resilience helps prevent carpet indentations from furniture.

    Benefits: Hard-wearing, excellent sound reduction, eco-friendly.

    Ideal For: Hallways, staircases, and other high-traffic areas.

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  • Combination Underlay

    This type combines the warmth and comfort of felt with the durability and soundproofing qualities of crumb rubber.

    Benefits: Heavy-duty protection, effective sound reduction, and enhanced comfort.

    Ideal For: Any room where both comfort and durability are desired. Best paired with a Wilton/Axminster Carpet.

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Factors To Consider

  • Tog Ratings

    Tog ratings measure the thermal insulation properties of the underlay. Higher ratings offer better insulation, ideal for homes without underfloor heating. Lower ratings are better suited for homes with underfloor heating systems as they allow more heat to pass through.

  • Thickness and Density

    Thicker and denser underlays provide better comfort and insulation but may not be necessary for all areas. Assess the specific needs of each room to determine the appropriate thickness and density.

  • Cost

    Underlay prices vary based on material, thickness, and quality. Balancing cost with performance ensures you get the best value for your investment. Consider long-term benefits such as energy savings and increased carpet lifespan when evaluating cost.

  • Installation

    Professional installation ensures the best performance and longevity of your underlay and carpet. If you prefer a DIY approach, choose an underlay that is easy to handle and install.

Some of the brands we work with

Choosing the right underlay for your carpet is like picking the perfect mattress for your bedsheets; both are essential for comfort and support.

Choosing the right underlay for your carpet is like picking the perfect mattress for your bedsheets; both are essential for comfort and support.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Fleece-backed or felt-backed carpets can be secured directly to the floor without underlay as a cost-saving measure, but we recommend using underlay to enhance comfort, extend the carpet's lifespan, and improve insulation and soundproofing.

  • The ideal thickness for carpet underlay is usually between 8-11mm. Thicker underlay provides more comfort and insulation but ensure it doesn’t interfere with door clearance.

  • We recommend keeping underlay where possible to reduce unnecessary waste, as underlay typically outlasts carpet. However, please note that some carpet manufacturers insist on new underlay being installed with their carpet for the warranty to apply.

  • Underlay traps heat, reducing heat loss through the floor and helping to keep rooms warmer. It can also reduce energy costs by improving the overall insulation of your home.

  • While not strictly necessary, underlay is highly recommended for stairs to reduce noise and help the carpet withstand heavy foot traffic, enhancing both comfort and durability.

  • Yes, there are eco-friendly underlays made from recycled materials like polyurethane foam and crumb rubber. These options are both sustainable and effective, offering excellent durability and comfort.